Collector opens secondhand shop stocked with memorabilia

At first glance, Hill Family Yard Sale, 439 S. Decatur Blvd., looks like a comic book store. But take a walk around the shop and one will find more than just rare comic books.

Clothing, vinyl records, an Elvis Presley cutout, empty vintage bottles and even an old phone booth are just some of the items owner Eric Hill has for sale.

"The challenge is getting (the store) ready," said Hill, who opened the business in April. "I don't have everything I want in here yet. Eventually, I hope to have it all covered in comic books. It's basically a process."

The store is set up to look like a yard sale, with tables of collectible trading cards, racks of vintage T-shirts and display cases of comics.

Hill said that it's unique compared to other collectibles stores because of the items he offers.

"I don't think there's another secondhand shop in the valley that also has collectibles," Hill said. "It's basically a secondhand shop with a side of comic book stuff."

Hill's business background is in real estate and gaming, but his hobbies range from reading comic books to music and sports. Hill accumulated trinkets and treasures throughout the years from friends, family, garage sales and eBay auctions before opening the store.

But Hill hasn't taken on every aspect alone in running the store. The name behind Hill Family Yard Sale comes from his son's suggestion.

"At first, it was just going to be called The Yard Sale, but Christopher came up with the Hill Family part," Hill said. "I think the name really personalizes (the store)."

Christopher, 8, is the self-proclaimed assistant manager, quick to assist customers and let people know he is second-in-command.

"Since I'm the manager's son, it gives me the right to be the assistant manager," Christopher said. "I like to help people when they come in. It's really funny, and this is a great place to go because there's lots of stuff."

Hill said he adds new "stuff" daily and tries to diversify the types of items available for sale. He's willing to barter with customers on sales for select items and has a casual return policy.

"I want repeat business and not just one-time business," Hill said. "If there's a problem with something, bring it back. I really just hope to make new customers, have repeat customers and make them happy."

Although Hill works in the shop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, he views running the store as being more fun than work. Having Christopher in the store on select days and connecting with people from throughout the valley, he said, is what makes coming into Hill Family Yard Sale every day enjoyable.

"I don't want to go get a job," Hill said. "This isn't a job. This is fun. There is work to be done, but it's good work."

For more information on Hill Family Yard Sale, call 822-7301 or visit facebook.com/hillfamilyyardsale.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.